Guan ready for Masters at record-setting age of 14

Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner, 14 year old Guan Tianlang of China (L) looks at Tiger Woods of the US on the 14th green during a practice round in preparation for the 2013 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 8, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Fine-tuning

Guan arrived at Augusta almost three weeks ago to become acclimated and has already played about seven rounds, but will get further fine-tuning from some other giants of the game.

Besides his late-day practice with Woods and another long hitter in Johnson, Guan has arranged a practice round with twice winner Tom Watson and a spin through the Par-3 Contest with three-time champion Nick Faldo.

"I have the confidence and I know I can play well. So I'm going to play like myself," he said. "I'm not going to try to do too much."

Guan took up the game at about age 4, taught by his father and inspired by watching Woods on television.

"When I was probably three or four years old, I was looking at him win the Masters, and it's pretty exciting to watch him," Guan said about four-time winner Woods.

"I played with him twice in the past couple years, and he gives me advice and I will say every time I play with him, I feel a lot better and give myself confidence."

With golf added to the Olympic program, Chinese officials have begun promoting the sport and Guan said he believed his Masters' appearance would help grow the game.

"I think it's good for Chinese golf, and good that more people get to know this game, to pick up this game," said Guan.

Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner, 14 year old Guan Tianlang of China (R) shakes hands with Tiger Woods of the US (C) during a practice round in preparation for the 2013 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 8, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]